With the elevation of Goa’s senior most District Judge BP Deshpande as a judge of the Bombay High Court finally justice has prevailed. The Supreme Court Colleguim on September 29 last year had approved the proposal of the Bombay High Court to elevate BP Deshpande but the government dragged its feet for over eight months, while conveniently clearing some collegium resolutions swiftly.It has to be always ensured that no injustice is done to upright judges of integrity, regardless of whether the politicians are out to settle scores.
The Constitution of India is very clear on the distinct roles of the executive, legislature and judiciary. It envisages a free, fair and independent judiciary. The highest standards of judicial independence must be ensured by warding off even the faintest trace of governmental influence on the judiciary. With the sanctity of the other two pillars of our democracy currently severely dented, our only hope is the judiciary. But with the government wanting to overpower the judiciary too, there is a very disturbing disquiet over the slippery slope on which judicial values are slithering. The highest standards of judicial independence must be ensured.
